Healthy for us

How to Make Angelica Mouthwash


Angelica is renowned for its ability to freshen breath. Its sweetness blends perfectly in this easy-to-make mouthwash.


Ingredients

* 2 1/2 cups boiling water
* 2 tbsp angelica seeds


Steps

1. Place the angelica seeds into a bowl and pour the boiling water over the top.
2. Leave to infuse for as long as it takes the water to cool completely.
3. Strain the liquid into a glass jar. Seal the jar.
4. Use. Use as a mouthwash day and night.


Tips

* Other herbs can be added to taste, such as caraway seeds, peppermint leaves, lemon verbena leaves etc. Be sure that whatever you add is safe for you.


Things You'll Need

* Bowl
* Glass jar with lid, clean




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How to Improve Your Skin With Only Herbal Products

Herbal products have minimal chemicals in them. They are the best to make the skin lighter, clearer and softer. Here is how to use them:


Steps

1. Put plain, chilled yogurt onto your face for fifteen minutes, then wash it off with milk and water. This can lighten your skin in the long-term.
2. Wash your face with seaweeed soap. Do not rub the bar of soap directly on your skin, as the few chemicals it may have can get to you easier this way. Instead, rub the bar onto wet hands and rub your hands together until they form bubbles of the soap. Massage the bubbles onto your face, and rinse off with medium-temperature water.
3. Use an apricot exfoliator-follow the directions on the container or simply massage it onto your face. Keep massaging until your face gently burns, you know now that the exfoliater is working. Rinse your face carefully.
4. With your hands or a cotton ball/soft pad, apply a lemon toner onto your face gently but equally. When your face feels refreshed, move on to the next step.
5. Use a moisturizer and put it on your face and neck with upward motion. Massage it in, especially on red, dry spots.


Tips

* Buying the products from a vitamin shop will convey that they are probably made of more herbs than of chemicals.
* Do this until you have soft, fair skin.


Warnings

* If side effects persist, stop use.
* Don't get anything into your eyes and flush them with cold water if contact does occur.
* Pat your face dry with a towel, rubbing can increase dryness.





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How to Do Zazen


Meditation is a simple practice that has been used as a means to develop mental calm and concentration, as well as spiritual insight, for thousands of years. Modern day doctors are now prescribing meditation as a way of coping with the stress, anxiety, depression and anger. There are many approaches to Zen meditation. The approach taught here comes from the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. It is called zazen which means “sitting meditation.” Alternatively, it can be referred to as shikantaza or “just sitting.” 1. Set aside 10-45 minutes where you will be undisturbed. Zazen can be done at any time, although it is particularly helpful first thing in the morning or before going to bed. Find as quiet a room as possible, and set aside at least 20 minutes of time for practice. Turn off all your cell phones, pagers, televisions, iPods and computers so as not to be disturbed. Let others in the house know that you need some time to be by yourself.
2. Sit on your cushion or chair. If you are using a cushion, rest your buttocks on the cushion and cross your legs out in front of you. You can sit cross-legged or in either full-lotus or half-lotus position. The cushion should help tilt your pelvis slightly forward and down so that your lumbar vertebrae can come to their natural curvature. You may find it helpful to sway gently back-and-forth and from side-to-side to find a centered position. You should feel balanced on your "sit bones."
3. If you have chosen to use a chair, simply sit with your buttocks as far back on the chair as possible so that you feel supported by the back of the chair. It is best to spread your legs out as much as is comfortable to achieve a sense of stability.
4. In either position, you should feel stable and dignified. Your posture should be balanced to allow your breath to flow freely deep down to the diaphragm.
5. Sit facing a plain, unadorned wall. Your eyes should be open, but with a relaxed gaze so that you are looking forward and down. Rest your hands on your lap. You can rest either your left hand in your right, or right hand in your left. Both are acceptable. Touch your thumbs together above your fingers. This is called the “universal mudra.” Your hands should be relaxed, but stable and not too limpid.
6. Bring your awareness to your breath. Just allow the breathing to occur, without trying to change it. Stay with the sensation of breathing as a particular point: perhaps your abdomen as it moves in and out, or your nostrils as the air passes back and forth. While in the West we tend to think of initiating the breath by inhaling, the Japanese word for breathing is kokyu, a composite of two words: ko (exhalation) and kyu (inhalation). It may help to think of breathing in this way to help let go each moment.
7. Expand your awareness to the sensory feedback coming from the entirety of the body and the mental activity of thought and emotion. Ask yourself gently: “What is this? What am I experiencing right now?”
8. Notice the texture of your emotions from moment to moment. Notice the difference sensory experiences of anxiety or anger or sadness as different muscles tense or relax. Again ask: “What is this? What is happening to me right now?” Follow the flow of emotions as your breath. Notice that your emotions are only a small part of your experience.
9. Watch your thoughts as they come and go from one moment to the next, like clouds passing through the sky. Notice how each thought comes with its own set of reactions as well. You may find yourself reacting to one thought with another, or even criticizing yourself for thinking certain thoughts. Follow the flow of thoughts as you breath. Notice that your thoughts are only a small part of your experience.
10. Accept your experience just as it is. Do not judge it or try to change or escape from it. Much of time, we are out of touch with reality. We tense up when a disturbing thought arises or we dissociate and distract ourselves when an unpleasant emotion emerges. Instead, just sit with your experience as it comes and as it changes from moment to moment.
11. When you are finished with your meditation session, simply come out of sitting posture. The clarity and presence you gain from meditation will follow you as you go about your day.



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Feeling a little anxious? Maybe you will find some of these mixtures soothing and able to naturally ease your symptoms of anxiety.

Steps

1. Consider the following herbs to help you:

* Melissa Officinalis. An herb native to the Mediterranean that is used throughout the world to calm the nervous system and digestive tract and to reduce blood pressure.
* Passion Flower is an herbal sedative that can give you a sense of calm and also helps you sleep better. Also, it can help you control nausea and the "butterflies in the stomach".
* Lavendula Angustifolia or lavender. It's known for its calming properties and is widely used in aromatherapy to induce relaxation. In a recent study it was found that the scent from lavender was enough to relax and relieve depression in many of the participants.
* Fennel is a popular tea in India. This herb relieves gastrointestinal upsets that are related to anxiety.
* Kava kava is an herbal remedy used to ease the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. It's non addictive and can be taken as an infusion. Supplements (pills) usually do not work. People with liver problems are recommended to stay away from kava kava, although traditional methods of consumption are not shown to be dangerous.
* Valerian is used around the world to reduce stress and promote sleep. It's safe and non addictive.
* Chamomile is an herb used to treat mild anxiety and stress. It's also used to settle an upset stomach.
* Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen effective at treating anxiety.
* Ashwaganda has been used in India for thousands of years in ayurvedic (ancient)medicine as an anti-anxiety remedy. Chemical analysis shows that Ashwaganda contains compounds thought to have anti-stress properties.
* L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea. Because it can enter the brain, L-Theanine has psychoactive properties. L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and may produce feelings of relaxation - without drowsiness.
2. A study by The American Journal of Epidemiology showed coca's usefulness in treating gastrointestinal ailments, as well as motion and altitude sickness. They found it to be a fast acting antidepressant and helpful in combating hypoglycemia and diabetes. Furthermore, coca leaves deliver healthy doses of vitamins A, C, B and E, phosphorous, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein.
3. Another herbal remedy for panic attack is Lemon balm. This is a general restorative for the nervous system, can assist in reducing blood pressure and help calm the digestive system.
4. If you are having problems sleeping try taking melatonin before bed. Getting poor sleep has been shown to increase anxiety.



Tips

* Many of the above herbs are hard to find locally and may need to be ordered off the Internet. Amazon.com would be a good starting place.
* Look for standardized extracts that contain a certain percent of the active chemicals which make the herb work.


Warnings

* Always consult with your doctor before taking any natural herb or supplement. They can advise you on any issues that may arise and is also good for their medical notes in case of any adverse reactions.





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How to Get Into Aromatherapy

How to Erase Anxiety Naturally with Herbs

Feeling a little anxious? Maybe you will find some of these mixtures soothing and able to naturally ease your symptoms of anxiety.

Steps

1. Consider the following herbs to help you:

* Melissa Officinalis. An herb native to the Mediterranean that is used throughout the world to calm the nervous system and digestive tract and to reduce blood pressure.
* Passion Flower is an herbal sedative that can give you a sense of calm and also helps you sleep better. Also, it can help you control nausea and the "butterflies in the stomach".
* Lavendula Angustifolia or lavender. It's known for its calming properties and is widely used in aromatherapy to induce relaxation. In a recent study it was found that the scent from lavender was enough to relax and relieve depression in many of the participants.
* Fennel is a popular tea in India. This herb relieves gastrointestinal upsets that are related to anxiety.
* Kava kava is an herbal remedy used to ease the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. It's non addictive and can be taken as an infusion. Supplements (pills) usually do not work. People with liver problems are recommended to stay away from kava kava, although traditional methods of consumption are not shown to be dangerous.
* Valerian is used around the world to reduce stress and promote sleep. It's safe and non addictive.
* Chamomile is an herb used to treat mild anxiety and stress. It's also used to settle an upset stomach.
* Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen effective at treating anxiety.
* Ashwaganda has been used in India for thousands of years in ayurvedic (ancient)medicine as an anti-anxiety remedy. Chemical analysis shows that Ashwaganda contains compounds thought to have anti-stress properties.
* L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea. Because it can enter the brain, L-Theanine has psychoactive properties. L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and may produce feelings of relaxation - without drowsiness.
2. A study by The American Journal of Epidemiology showed coca's usefulness in treating gastrointestinal ailments, as well as motion and altitude sickness. They found it to be a fast acting antidepressant and helpful in combating hypoglycemia and diabetes. Furthermore, coca leaves deliver healthy doses of vitamins A, C, B and E, phosphorous, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein.
3. Another herbal remedy for panic attack is Lemon balm. This is a general restorative for the nervous system, can assist in reducing blood pressure and help calm the digestive system.
4. If you are having problems sleeping try taking melatonin before bed. Getting poor sleep has been shown to increase anxiety.


Tips

* Many of the above herbs are hard to find locally and may need to be ordered off the Internet. Amazon.com would be a good starting place.
* Look for standardized extracts that contain a certain percent of the active chemicals which make the herb work.


Warnings

* Always consult with your doctor before taking any natural herb or supplement. They can advise you on any issues that may arise and is also good for their medical notes in case of any adverse reactions.





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How to Create a Poultice

A poultice is a good way to apply herbs to the skin. A poultice can be either hot or cold.

Steps

1. Chop your selected herbs . Place in a large bowl.
2. Pour water over the herbs Use hot water for a hot poultice, cold water for a cold compress.
3. Mush herb/water mixture with a wooden spoon or potato masher.
4. Scoop herbs onto a double layer of cheesecloth. Wrap the cheesecloth over the herbs to make a package.


Warnings

* Make sure you know the risks and proper use of the herbs you're using!




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How to Use Lavender in Aromatherapy


People have used lavender and its essential oil throughout history to ease mental, emotional, and physical ailments. Here are some suggestions which will show you the different ways of using the essential oil, lavender.

Steps

1. Use lavender to banish headaches. Most headaches are caused by tension, when the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders tighten. To help relieve headaches and the tension causing them, use lavender. The relaxing and soothing aroma is a well-known remedy. Make a cool or warm compress for the forehead by applying 3 to 5 drops of lavender to a damp cloth and lying down for 10 to 20 minutes. While on the go, massage a drop of lavender onto each temple. When there's time for a massage, combine lavender essential oil with unscented vegetable oil and rub into the forehead, neck, shoulders and back.
2. Use it to help soothe anxiety and lift depression. Lavender has properties that relax as well as invigorate, making it useful in aromatherapy for calming excited nerves, while also inspiring feelings of increased energy and mental clarity. Some people find that lavender is more refreshing when inhaled at room temperature, but it can also be helpful when emanating from a light bulb diffuser. Or breathe in the aroma from a lavender-scented tissue. Dab the oil on the wrist and the base of the throat as a therapeutic perfume. Rub some along the scalp line and at the temples to carry the scent with you.
3. Overcome insomnia with lavender. The relaxing qualities of lavender can help stop the recurrence of sleepless nights. Scent the bedroom with a diffuser or place sachets or cotton balls with lavender oil inside pillowcases, where they will release aromatherapy scent consistently through the night. Another good method is to dot bed linens and bed clothes with lavender oil
4. Scent the hair with lavender. Rub a few drops of lavender oil between the palms and work into the hair for a subtle and lasting dose of aromatherapy throughout the day.


Warnings

* Understand that using lavendar oil can have powerful effects for certain people. If you sense that you shouldn't be using this, don't.

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How to Make Natural Herbal Oil

Make your own oils from scratch. Once made, these oils are suitable for a range of uses; they can be burned to add fragrance to the air, added to baths for silky and heavenly soaks, made into perfume, etc.

Steps

1. Find a large, clear, clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid.
2. Pack fresh, clean, whole herbs loosely into the jar.
3. Cover the herbs with oil. High-quality olive oil is best, but any good-quality vegetable oil will work.
4. Put the lid on as tightly as you can, and set the jar on a sunny windowsill - this is best done in the summertime, but can be done in winter if you have a window that gets maximum amount of light, even in winter.
5. Leave the jar on the windowsill for 30 days, shaking it gently once a day.
6. Find another large, clear, clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid, a large funnel, and some cheesecloth.
7. Pack the cheesecloth fairly tightly in the funnel.
8. Set the funnel in the empty jar, and wrap some cheese cloth around where the mouth of the jar meets the funnel, to prevent spillage.
9. Slowly pour the oil into the clean jar through the funnel. The cheesecloth will strain the herbs, letting the oil filter into the jar.

Tips

* This does not make essential oil. This makes diluted oil. There is no need to further dilute this oil.
* Some herbs can be used dried, like cinnamon, but for the most part, dried herbs lose their essential oils.
* Lavender is soothing, cinnamon invigorating, mint fresh. White willow bark has a spicy smell, sage is used by Native Americans for cleansing, chamomile is used to soothe and help sleep. Do some research about your favorite scents, and see what you can find.
* White willow bark (or any kind of bark or nuts or roots) may need to be soaked in water first, left in the oil longer, and/or used as freshly as possible.
* Experiment with mixes. Fill the jar with a mix of chamomile, vanilla and lavender to ensure pleasant sleep. Mix vanilla and cinnamon to fill your kitchen with cooking scents.
* In the summer pick or purchase mint to make a refreshing oil
* In the fall try using rosemary which also has astringent and healing properties as well.


Warnings

* Store oil in a cool, dark place, and smell it occasionally. If it smells rancid, don't use it.



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How to Buy Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils that can be extracted from aromatic plants. [1] Their use dates back to ancient times, and their wide variety of therapeutic, medicinal and culinary uses has ensured their continued popularity. About 700 different kinds of plants contain useful essential oils, and you can find many of these online or in your local health food store, farmers market or co-op. In fact, the variety can be a bit bewildering, and because many pounds of plant material are required to extract an ounce of essential oil, the prices can be overwhelming, too. This brief buyer's guide can help you get the best quality and value.

Steps

1. Think about why you want an essential oil. Different essential oils have different uses, so your first step should always be to determine which one will best suit your needs. You can research essential oils online, or you can ask your herbalist, natural foods grocer or a knowledgeable friend. Depending on your needs, you may find that more than one kind of oil is suitable. If you don't have a clear reason for choosing one over the other, look at their prices--essential oils vary widely in price, so why pay more than you have to?
2. Consider alternatives to pure essential oil. Hydrosols? Absolutes? Fragrance oils? There are often cheaper alternatives to essential oils that may perform the service you need. A hydrosol, hydrolate or water essence (as in rose water, lavender water, etc.) is the byproduct of distillation. When plants are distilled, the vapor condenses into essential oils and hydrosols; these are then separated. A hydrosol is basically essential oil diluted in water, and it will usually contain some other incidental organic compounds. They can frequently be used in place of essential oils when dilution is not an issue, as in some aromatherapy methods. Absolutes are generally highly concentrated essential oils which are extracted with solvents, usually from flowers for which steam distillation is impractical. These can be more expensive than essential oils, but you may be able to dilute them more for the same uses. Fragrance oils, also sometimes called floral waters, are usually synthetic compounds which have an aroma similar to essential oils. They are cheaper than essential oils, but are typically not suitable for therapeutic or culinary uses. You can also purchase essential oils diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil. These may in some cases be a better choice, particularly if you plan to apply the oil to your skin. You will probably find a wide range of dilutions for sale.
3. Get an idea of the going price. Once you know what product you want, try to find the best price for it. Check locally and online, but make sure you're comparing comparable quantities of comparable dilutions of comparable products. Make a list of the best prices you find and where you find them. Chances are you will find the general price hovering in a certain range. If a given choice falls far below that range, look into it, but beware: something smells fishy.
4. Learn about the oil you want to purchase. Knowledge is power, and the more you can learn about the product, the better value you will be able to get. Essential oils vary in quality depending on which parts of the plants are included--lavender oil, for example can be made with lavender flowers and stalks or just with the flowers, the latter being of higher quality--the method of extraction (steam distilled is usually better than water distilled), country or region of origin, and time of harvest.
5. Find out as much as you can about your choices. Being an informed buyer, you can now ask the potential sellers the important questions. First, look at the bottles or, if shopping on the internet, carefully read the product descriptions. You should be able to get a clear idea of what you're getting. If possible, smell several oils to compare their aromas. Find out how the plants are harvested, where they're grown, etc. Next research the companies that manufacture the oils you're considering. You can look on the internet or ask friends or retailers. It's important to find out as much information as you can about the oil, but it's also important to find out if the information you're getting is coming from a reputable source.
6. Consider how the oils are stored. Essential oils should always be kept in a dark glass bottle or stainless steel container. Oils not contained in these are suspect. In addition, essential oils should be protected from excessive heat or direct sunlight. You have an advantage shopping locally because you can see how the oils are stored--are the bottles on a windowsill?--but reputable companies can usually be trusted to use proper storage techniques.
7. Make your purchase and start enjoying the benefits of essential oils.


Tips

* Some oils are organically grown or certified organic; you may need to pay a premium for these. The best form of extraction, steam distillation, concentrates pesticides, chemicals, solvents, etc.. All other forms of extraction are chemically based, usually petrochemicals.
* If the cost of essential oils seems a bit much to you, you can make your own. See the related wikiHow for details.
* Among the essential oil brands that you will find in a natural food store, Aura Cacia is the only one that tests every batch for purity, which is a significant problem with essential oils. There is widespread aduleration in the essential oil industry.


Warnings

* Beware of oils that are sold in clear glass or plastic. Essential oils need to be protected from sunlight, which can quickly damage them. Essential oils degrade most plastics quickly.
* Beware of a line of essential oils that are all sold for the same price. Because the cost of extracting different oils varies dramatically, it is simply impossible that the oils are pure and of good quality.
* Do not use essential oils neat. They should be diluted to prevent sensitization and possible skin irritation. Those that say otherwise are lying to you.
* Beware of any brands who do not follow these guidelines: If they do not follow every single one then they may not be truly essential oils, but fragrance oils. And could be very harmful if used on the skin, or internally. How To Find Out if Your Aromatherapy Essential Oils Are Pure Therapeutic Grade
* Are the fragrances of your pure therapeutic grade essential oils subtle, rich, organic, and delicate? Do they feel natural? Do they smell stronger, more real and less chemical than your current brand?
* Does your essential oil supplier send each batch of essential oils it receives through different independent lab analyses before the essential oil is released? Will they produce them on demand?
* Are the tests performed by well known standard independent labs?
* Does your essential oil supplier grow and distill its own organically grown herbs? Are the distillation facilities part of the farm where the herbs are grown so they are freshly distilled, maintaining their potency?
* Does your essential oil supplier use low pressure and low temperature to distill essential oils and preserve the essential oils fragile chemical constituents? Are the distillation cookers fabricated from costly stainless steel alloys to reduce the likelihood of the essential oils chemically reacting with the metal?
* Does your essential oil supplier have representatives traveling worldwide to personally inspect the fields and distilleries where the herbs are grown and distilled?
* Do they scrutinize the facilities to check to see that no synthetic chemicals are being used in any of these processes?
* Does your essential oil supplier care about the farms they use and make sure they are fair trade? Meaning the local farmers get fair pay and not 3rd world change.
* Does your essential oil supplier sell all essential oils in 2 sizes to save you money? And available to everyone without the hassles of network marketing?
* Does your essential oil supplier offer free shipping, low cost shipping, and discounts in appreciation of your patronage?
* Does your essential oil supplier provide knowledgeable staff to answer your questions about use, and supply as much information as possible free of charge?
* Are over 98% of your current brand of essential oils certified organic buy real certification? Are they willing to provide this upon request?



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How to Get Into Aromatherapy

Welcome to the world of Aromatherapy. Using essential oils in daily life can promote emotional and physical health. Essential oils can be used in many ways to deliver their therapeutic effect.

Steps

1. Oil Burners.

* Aromatherapy oil burner worked by heating a few drop of essential oils in a water bowl set above a tea light candle. Aromatherapy oil burner is the easiest way to benefit from essential oil’s scent, You also can try a simple blend to go with an oil burner. For a starter, put 6 drops of essential oil or blends to freshen up your room. Using heat destroys any therapeutic benefits of the oil. So this is for fragrance use.
2. Nebulizer Diffuser

* Sometimes called An Electric Oil Diffuser, will allow you the ability to create many fantastic scents and expand them into the air that is throughout your home. There are many types of electric oil diffuser you can choose today. It’s the most effective and easiest way to disperse essential oils in the air. It’s recommended for emotional and mental health as well as for diseases effecting the lung, blood and the brain.
* Electric Oil diffuser can break down the oils into separate molecules to make easier for the aroma to be inhaled. And once you switch it on, it will last for couple hours. Make sure your unit specifies cold air and does not use heat or vibration; that would destroy active medicinal constituents.
3. Inhalation.

* A Steam inhalation is commonly associated with treating respiratory illness such as colds and flu. Add about 10 drops of (eucalyptus radiata, peppermint or pine essential oils) into a bowl of hot water, then lean over the bowl and cover your head with towel for about ten minutes as you inhale. This treatment is good when you having colds.
4. Sprays

* If you want to quickly purify and freshen the air in your home, or in your office, make an aromatherapy air freshener. Fill 180 ml spray bottle with distilled water. Add 5-10 drops of the essential oil of your choice for each ounce of water. Shake well and use it to spray around the room as often as you need it. Remember to shake well before each new spray.
5. Aromatic Bathing

* Bathing can be a pleasurable, highly relaxing experience and adding essential oils to your bathwater increases the benefits tenfold. Start by adding 6 drops of essential oils or blend into the bath water. The scents of essential oils fill the room with delightful fragrances, while essential oils enter the skin pores and relax tired muscles.
6. Massage

* When used in massage these essential oils usually dilute with carrier oils, and then applied to the skin. With this, it is absorbed by the skin, and penetrates into the tissues of the body, your blood and the interstitial fluid. Smoothing fragrant oil into tired muscle is the most pleasurable ways to relax and unwind. It is absolutely essential that you use only oils that don't say don't use neet (undiluted) not to use internally. These are adulterated and can hurt you even if you dilute them.
7. Compresses

* This method is a fast and effective ways to speed recovery from muscular pain and strains after a rigorous workout, and a treatment for bruises, headaches, insect bites, toothache, spots and more.
* Compresses can be made from adding 3 – 6 drops of essential oils or blend into one quart of warm water. Stir carefully. Soak a clean cloth in the water, rinse it and apply to the affected area. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes. Repeated as needed.
8. Perfume

* Adding essential oils in your perfume base is lot more cheaper than you bought a branded perfume which is full of chemical added. To make an aromatherapy perfume is very easy. Please visit this additional related wikihows to start your signature perfume
* [Bella Mira Essential Oils] makes wonderful blends that are great for perfume.
9. Candle

* Candle can be used to help set the atmosphere and improve the ambience in many situations. They can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.
* Using aromatherapy candle has a positive effect on our body and emotions. The key is in choosing the correct scent to match the emotion or sense you wish to evoke. Just FYI there are no real essential oil candles on the market. All those sold are fragrance oils. If you are looking for medicinal benefits you have to use a cold air diffuser.

Tips

* To make a dilution essential oil for massage, you can combine 2 drops of pure essential oils with 15 ml of carrier oil.


Warnings

* Please always refer to safety precautions on using essential oils



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How to Make Aromatherapy Skin Cleansing Creams



Aromatherapy can help you to take care of your skin by mixing aromatherapy oils into your own cleansing creams and lotions. You will soon realize how much you can improve your overall appearance and well being without too much fuss and expense. Also, you will benefit from the soothing aromas of the oils.

Steps

1. Use your favorite unperfumed cleansing cream or milk.
2. Add any of the following aromatherapy oils, either singly or in combination for each skin type. The ratio is two drops of oil to every 4 fl oz (100 ml) of cleanser:

* Normal skin: Rose, neroli, lavender, sandalwood
* Dry skin: Chamomile, geranium, rose and ylang-ylang
* Combination skin: Lavender, geranium
* Chapped, cracked skin: Benzoin and chamomile
* Hyper-sensitive skin: Chamomile, neroli, jasmine, rose
* Broken capillaries: Neroli, rose, lemon and peppermint
3. Clean your skin morning and night. An effective cleansing routine will balance your skin, helping it to function properly. All skin types need to be cleansed twice a day. Beauty therapists found that a lot of clients who would not dream of going to bed without cleansing their skin don’t bother to do so in the morning. However, cleansing in the morning is really important. Your skin throws out toxic waste products while you sleep and if you apply moisturizer straight on to your skin, you are actually preventing this shedding process from being effective.
4. Follow these routines as suits your skin:

* Normal skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use either a cleansing milk or a balanced cleansing bar.
o Evening: Remove make-up with cleansing milk then repeat with milk or a cleansing bar.
* Oily skin cleansing:
o Morning: Either use cleansing milk or a balanced cleansing bar, if you prefer to wash your face.
o Evening: First use a cleansing milk to remove all traces of make-up. Then wash your face with a balanced cleansing bar.
* Dry skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use a cleansing cream. Massage it into your face with your fingers thoroughly then remove.
o Evening: Use cleansing milk to remove make-up. Cleanse again using cleansing cream.
* Combination skin cleansing:
o Morning: As for oily skin, pay particular attention to nose, chin and forehead areas.
o Evening: As for oily skin, be gentle on your cheeks and if they are dry repeat the cleansing process with a milk cleanser rather than by washing your face.
* Hyper-sensitive skin cleansing:
o Morning: Use cleansing milk or cream specially made for very sensitive skin. Avoid skin washes.
o Evening: Remove make-up with a cleansing milk. Repeat the cleansing using a cream. Be gentle when removing cleanser.

Tips

* Try some plain, old extra virgin olive oil to help condition your skin. A little bit goes a long ways on wet skin right out of the shower. Smear it all over and rubbing in, then you dry off the remaining water drops and get dressed. Just use a lot less.

Things You'll Need

* Essential oils as described above
* Unperfumed cream or cleansing milk
* Clean container
* Cotton wool



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How to Make Aromatherapy Skin Tonics



Our skin is always exposed to heat, cold and other environmental changes, so it is very important to take care of it. In this article you will find various natural skin tonics that you can make at home. Each of these suggested recipes will nourish your skin. Skin tonics have two effects on your skin after cleansing:

* They remove the last trace of cleansing milk or cream.
* They help to restore the skin’s natural proactive mantle.

Here is a selection to make at home, all natural and preservative free.

Steps

1. Note that for each of the recipes, the ratio is two drops of aromatherapy oil to fl oz (100 ml) of toner, either used singly or in combination.
2. Make up a skin tonic as befits your skin's needs:

* For normal skin - Add lavender, rose or neroli to rosewater or orange flower water.
* For oily skin - Add lemon, lavender, bergamot, juniper or ylang-ylang to witch hazel.
* For acne/ pimples - Add rose, ylang-ylang, geranium or chamomile to rosewater.
* For hyper-sensitive skin - Add chamomile, neroli, jasmine or rose to orange flower water.
3. Apply. As with cleansers, all skin tonics are kindest to your skin when applied with damp cotton wool.
4. Gently wipe all over the face and neck, paying careful attention to the creases around your chin. If necessary, repeat once more.

Tips

* Rosewater and orange flower water can be bought at most good chemists.

Warnings

* Avoid using skin tonics that contain alcohol (often called astringent). These strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier and with prolonged use can over-sensitize the skin or cause irritation.


Things You'll Need

* Essential oils as described above
* Cotton wool or face washers (soft)





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How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

How to Make Aromatic Blend Bath Salts

Aromatic blend bath salts is using fragrance oil for the aroma. Although it's not using essential oils but aromatic blend still can help you relax, leaving all the stress behind.

Things You'll Need

* 2 cups Epsom salt.
* 3 tablespoons dendritic salt.
* 3/4 teaspoon white musk fragrance oil.
* 1/8 teaspoon jasmine essential oil.
* 6 drops Blue 1 liquid dye.
* 10 drops Red 30 liquid dye.




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